Discover 26 awesome things to do in Manchester with teenagers

If you’re looking for a city full of history and culture that is perfect for a holiday or vacation, look no further than Manchester England. This vibrant city has something for everyone, from museums to attractions to food and fun. Here are some of the top things to do in Manchester with teenagers when you’re on vacation.






Table Of Contents




Know before you go. Our top Manchester travel tips Best places to stay in Manchester for families Manchester apartment alternative for your stay How to get to Manchester with teens What currency do I need for my trip to Manchester? Travel insurance for your U.K trip with teenagers Using your phone on a family holiday in Manchester Pocket Wi-Fi for your holiday in England Things to do in Manchester with teenagers Play Laser tag in Manchester Fun things to do in Manchester for teenagers – Vertical Chill Ice Wall Things to do in Manchester with teenage girls – high tea Manchester Ghost Tour Book Sea life tickets Discover the Ghosts in Manchester Sealife Manchester with tweens Activities for teenagers in Manchester – Junk Yard Golf The Chill Factor Things to do in Manchester with kids – Scavenger hunt Related travel with teenagers posts Manchester fun places for teenagers -Indoor Skydiving Football in Manchester Etihad Stadium: Manchester City Stadium Tour Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour National Football Museum The John Rylands Library The Runway Visitors Park Manchester attractions for teenagers – Paintball The most Instagrammable shots in Manchester Get Event tickets for Manchester attractions and activities The Museum of Science and Industry 10 Pin Bowling in Manchester with teenagers Things to do in Manchester with teenagers – Axe Throwing Family holidays in Manchester – Going to the cinema Escape rooms in Manchester for older teens Going to the gym in Manchester for young adults Shopping in Manchester with teens Free things to do in Manchester with teens Day trips from Manchester with teens York day trip from Manchester Liverpool The Lake District for day trips from Manchester Fun restaurants in Manchester for teens Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester  Albert’s Schloss German restaurant beer hall Street food in Manchester Frequently asked questions about Manchester Is Manchester safe for families to visit? How do I call the police in Manchester? Is tipping required in the United Kingdom? Can you drink tap water in Manchester? What type of power plug is used in England? Where are the best places to stay in Manchester for teenagers Weather in Manchester More travel inspiration for your trip to England





Know before you go. Our top Manchester travel tips



Travelling to England with teens can be such an enriching experience for the whole family, and Manchester is one of the top family destinations in the United Kingdom. Did you know that Manchester was the birthplace of the industrial revolution?



There are so many things to do in Manchester with young adults, and having information on the best place to stay, how to get around, which currency to use and more is extremely important. Below you will find some information for planning a hassle-free family vacation in Manchester England.



Best places to stay in Manchester for families



Great vacations with teens start with some great vacation planning. When you are planning a trip to Great Britain with teens, you’ll never be short of options for your family accommodation in Manchester. In Manchester, you find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families on holiday. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget on your family trip to England.



Luxury:  The hotel includes a health spa, a restaurant and an onsite bar. The Edwardian Manchester features family suites for your stay in Manchester. You can use the indoor pool, the gym and dine at the onsite restaurant and bar.



Mid Range: Located in Salford, Holiday Inn Express Manchester – Salford Quays, is near a metro station for easy access. The hotel has free continental breakfast, in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs with digital channels Located close to the city and the Trafford Centre.



Budget: Located in Manchester City Centre is Ibis Manchester Centre 96 Portland Street . This hotel has a restaurant, bar/lounge and a snack bar/deli. In the rooms, you will find flat-screen TVs that come with cable channels, a coffee maker and free wi-fi.



If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Hotels.com and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Manchester for your family vacation to England.



Manchester apartment alternative for your stay



If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when on your England trip with teenagers in Manchester, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation. There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options in Manchester as well. You can search VRBO or if you’re looking for a luxury apartment then Plum Guide will help you find the perfect apartment in Manchester for teens on your Great Britain trip with family.



How to get to Manchester with teens



Manchester is one of the best family destinations in Europe for family travel with teens. Manchester is one of the biggest cities in the United Kingdom and is connected by a number of highways, long distant buses, trains and planes all bringing people daily to the city. This makes Manchester one of the easiest family travel destinations to get to in Great Britain. Manchester is one of the best family destinations in Europe for family travel with teens.



Manchester Airport is an international airport at Ringway, Manchester, England, 7.5 nautical miles south-west of Manchester city centre. The airport is served by budget carriers such as Easyjet, Vueling and full-fare airlines like British, Qatar and Singapore Airways. Book flights to Manchester with Kiwi Flights . Book a Manchester Airport to Manchester Centre transfer.









If your flights have a long stopover, or you just want to relax before your trip you should consider getting a lounge pass with Priority Pass. Priority Pass have access to airport lounges all over the world.  Search now for your lounge pass



Manchester can be reached directly from 9 cities and indirectly from anywhere across England, Wales and Scotland. Flixbus tickets are available at great prices. Bus travel with teens in England can add so many wonderful experiences for teens on vacation. Book your bus tickets to Manchester with Flixbus If you plan to road trip with teenagers in England you can hire a car at any International airport and dealership across the U.K. Maybe you want to make a trip cross country? An RV is a great way to travel to Manchester with teens. Search RV hire for your trip to England.



What currency do I need for my trip to Manchester?



The official currency you need to use in The United Kingdom is the Great British Pound. We recommend that you get a Revolut travel money card , that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money on your family holiday to Manchester.



Travel insurance for your U.K trip with teenagers



England has a high quality of healthcare but in saying that travel insurance is a must for all travellers entering the country. The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care on your family holiday in Manchester. We recommend using Travel Insurance Master, their website will compare the best deals from a number of providers and present you with the best value for money policy on the market. Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote .



Using your phone on a family holiday in Manchester



Relying on Wi-fi when you are travelling and sightseeing in Manchester with family can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel with teenagers is a top priority when you are travelling with family in the UK. Plan your family trip to Manchester and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in Manchester.







Pocket Wi-Fi for your holiday in England



You will be able to access free Wi-Fi at certain spots in Manchester. The best solution for travelling teens staying connected to the internet is to rent a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. These small devices can be ordered and delivered to your home or hotel for your stay in Manchester.



Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot device to keep and use on all your travel with teens holidays. You can choose the length of time you want and the amount of daily data you will need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your Manchester trip.



Things to do in Manchester with teenagers



Now that we have covered all of the essential Manchester travel tips for families, here are all the very best things to do in Manchester with teenagers.



Play Laser tag in Manchester



Laser tag is a popular indoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a fun and challenging activity that can be enjoyed in a competitive setting.



Teenagers Manchester having fun



In Laser tag, players can represent teams or themselves and try to outsmart their opponents by tagging them with lasers. Laser Tag is a gentler no-contact version of paintball. At the Trafford Center in Manchester is Laser Quest. Laser Quest is a mind-blowing multi-level arena with full-on audiovisual effects to really make the experience realistic for teenagers in Manchester.



Fun things to do in Manchester for teenagers – Vertical Chill Ice Wall



There’s something about ice climbing that makes it a truly challenging sport for both adults and teenagers. With its slick surfaces, precarious footholds, and constant fear of falling, ice climbing is perfect for those who want to push themselves to their limits.



But what makes vertical chill ice wall Manchester so unique is that it’s designed specifically for beginners and teenagers. This means that even if you’re not experienced in the sport, you can still have a lot of fun trying out this challenging activity.







Things to do in Manchester with teenage girls – high tea



What could be more quintessentially British than a high tea? This afternoon tradition involves savoury sandwiches, cakes pastries, and of course, tea. For mothers and daughters, it’s a cherished ritual that often brings them closer together.



High tea first became popular in the early 1800s, when aristocrats would gather in the late afternoon for a light meal. The spread would typically include cakes, tea, and sandwiches. These days, high tea is still enjoyed by many Britons as a special treat.



If you’re looking to experience high tea firsthand, there are plenty of places to go in the United Kingdom. But be warned – it can be quite addictive! Once you’ve had a taste of those delicious treats, you’ll likely want to indulge again and again.



Manchester on a budget travel tip:  Have you considered staying in a hostel with your teens when you travel?  Read why we love staying in   hostels with our teens



Manchester Ghost Tour



Embark on a spooky quest around Manchester and solve clues that will take you to the most haunted places in the city of Manchester. You will get an app delivered to your smartphone that will direct you to locations around the city. Unlock new stories as you discover on your own Manchester Cathedral, Palace Theatre, Albert Square, and more.



When you solve it and guess the answer, the secret story of that place is unlocked. Start and stop whenever you want. Along the way, you’ll find horror stories that will give you the chills.





Book Sea life tickets





Discover the Ghosts in Manchester





Sealife Manchester with tweens



Manchester Sea life is part of the ever-popular chain of aquariums that span the world. The Sealife Aquarium in Manchester has some great exhibits including the Shark Shipwreck and the Lair of the Giant Crab. Manchester Sealife has the special experience you pay extra for, such as  diving with sharks . During the day, there are creature feeds and talks that are free to participate in. Sealife is one of the fun things to do in Manchester with kids. 







Activities for teenagers in Manchester – Junk Yard Golf



There’s a new mini golf attraction in Manchester and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a fun day out. Junk Yard Golf is in central Manchester and offers 3 different crazy golf courses, each with its own unique theme. The course is perfect for families, groups of friends and teenagers, with something to appeal to everyone.



It’s also great value for money, with tickets starting at just £8.50 per person. So if you’re looking for a fun day out in Manchester with teenagers, be sure to check out Junk Yard Golf! Under 18’s are only permitted on Sunday to Thursday before 6 pm, & must have an over 18 present with them.







The Chill Factor



The Chill Factor Manchester England is a great place for teens to ski and snowboard. They offer skiing and snowboarding lessons, as well as equipment rentals. If you’re looking for a place to have some winter fun, The Chill Factor is the perfect spot.



Things to do in Manchester with kids – Scavenger hunt



If you are looking for great vacations with teens ideas then look no further than a family scavenger hunt. There are quite a few different scavenger hunts to do in Manchester for families.



Family holiday ideas with teenagers must be adaptable



Instead of a traditional sightseeing tour, get to know Manchester, learn new facts and create memorable experiences with a scavenger hunt. On your hunt, you will discover both popular and lesser-known sights of the city as you solve clues and tackle challenges to complete the adventure. Scavenger hunts are completely unique things to do in Manchester with teenyboppers. Explore a Scavenger Hunt in Manchester.







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Manchester fun places for teenagers -Indoor Skydiving



Indoor skydiving is a new trend that is catching up with teenagers. It is a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to go through all the hassle of getting on an aeroplane and going to a place where there are no buildings. The indoor sky diving facility in Manchester has been attracting many teens who are looking for something fun and exciting. Learn more about indoor skydiving in Manchester.



Football experiences in Manchester for teenagers are everywhere




Football in Manchester



Football is more a religion than a sport in Manchester. The city is home to two of the most popular and successful teams in the Premier League, Manchester United and Manchester City. This gives you the option of attending games during the football season, doing tours of their grounds and even visiting the National Football Museum while in Manchester.



Etihad Stadium: Manchester City Stadium Tour



Take a look at the state-of-the-art new player facilities on this re-vamped stadium and club tour. Walk in the footsteps of your favourite players on this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Etihad Stadium. From their arrival to their pre-match preparations, and from the big match to their post-match media obligations, gain a true understanding of the journey that they take on a matchday. Book your Manchester City experience .



Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour



Manchester United Museum and stadium tour offers fans a unique opportunity to explore Old Trafford and learn about the club’s history. The museum is home to memorabilia from the Red Devils’ past, including trophies and player portraits. The stadium tour allows visitors to walk inside the iconic venue and learn about its famed history.



From its construction in 1910 through to the present day, Old Trafford has been host to some of English football’s most memorable matches. For football fans of all levels, Manchester United Museum and stadium tour are a must-see attraction. Visit Old Trafford, the home of United.



National Football Museum



The National Football Museum Manchester is a museum dedicated to the history of English football, located in the city of Manchester. The museum contains exhibits on the development of English football, from its early days as an informal association game through to its present-day Premier League and Football Association competitions.



The Museum also has displays of individual clubs and players, as well as a library and research centre. Reserve a time and book a ticket to the Football Museum.




The home ground of Manchester City



The John Rylands Library



The John Rylands Library is a must-see attraction in Manchester. The library was founded in 1899 by Enriqueta Rylands and her husband John. It’s now part of the John Rylands Museum , which also includes a gallery and a museum shop. The library is home to some of the most important books and manuscripts in the world, including the rare Manchester Fragment of the Gospel of St. Luke.



This free library looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter



If you’re looking for things to do in Manchester with your teen, the John Rylands Library is a great option. It’s perfect for history buffs, book lovers, and anyone who wants to explore an amazing piece of architecture. The library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.



The Runway Visitors Park



For teens interested in aviation, just near Manchester Airport is the Runway visitors’ park. The park offers great views of the airport and the runways where you can see planes taking off and landing.



Watching planes at the Runway Visitors Park Manchester Airport



The park is also home to a variety of retired planes, including the spectacular supersonic airliner, Concorde G-BOAC; and the former RAF military spy plane, Nimrod. There’s also a DC-10, Avro RJX and a retro Trident airliner. The park is open daily and has a café, toilets, a gift shop and a playground.



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Manchester attractions for teenagers – Paintball



Paintball is a fast-paced game that involves running around, shooting opponents with paintballs, and trying to avoid being hit. The paintballs are spherical pellets made of synthetic rubbers or gelatin that are designed to break when they come into contact with something or you. Most courses have abandoned huts and vehicles and other obstacles littered across the course. Geronigo in Manchester has 7 zones, and a 50-acre paintball course for fun and adventure with teens.



The most Instagrammable shots in Manchester



The best family vacations for teens always incorporate something they love. Social media is important to travel teens and Instagram is one of the most popular photo apps for teens on holiday. With Instagram and social media playing a significant part in the lives of travelling teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in Manchester.



Activities to do with teenagers in Manchester should involve taking photos



We recommend visiting John Rylands Library, Manchester Town Hall and The Phone booths on St Peter Square for the best Instagram shots in Manchester. Alternatively, book yourself, an Instagram tour with a guide who will take you to all the hotspots in the city. Check prices on the best Instagram tours in Manchester.



Get Event tickets for Manchester attractions and activities



For concerts, theatre, stage shows and sporting events search Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster is an online marketplace to book live entertainment events such as concerts, sports, theatre and more.  Search Ticketmaster for a special event when you are on vacation in Manchester with teenagers.







The Museum of Science and Industry



The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, England is one of the largest and most popular tourist attractions in the city.



Manchester things to do with teens cover museums and learning sites



The museum showcases a rich history of amazing objects and revolutionary ideas. Today, the museum features exhibits on science and technology, cotton and textile production, and interactive experiments for visitors. The museum is a great place to learn about Manchester’s history and culture.



10 Pin Bowling in Manchester with teenagers



If you’re looking for a bit of fun, friendly family competition in Manchester with teenagers then 10 pin bowling might be just the family activity for you and your teen travellers. You can go 10 pin bowling in Manchester with kids at a number of different locations in the city centre and 10 pin bowling has to be one of the best family-friendly things to do in Manchester with teenagers. 



Most bowling alleys these days are more entertainment centres featuring amusement, food and drink options. You will find some of the best bowling locations in Manchester below.



Hollywood Bowl Manchester –  26 lanes, American themed diner, bar and amusements area. Located at Ashton Leisure Park, Fold Way, Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester . Tenpin Manchester Printworks – The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS, United







Things to do in Manchester with teenagers – Axe Throwing



Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. Manchester is home to Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing. No experience is required, as the staff at Whistle Punks will run you through the safety precautions before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.



If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in Manchester, then axe throwing could be it. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Manchester on your family vacation. For more information and pictures, click here



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Family holidays in Manchester – Going to the cinema



Great vacations with teens have a mix of everything! Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world. Going to the cinema in Manchester with teenagers is a great evening activity. You will find state-of-the-art screens and sound for you to watch the latest blockbusters in Manchester cinemas.



In Manchester, you will find multiplex, Imax, 3d and specialty cinemas showing art-house and indie films. A cinema is one of the best places to visit in Manchester at night with teens  You can use this  Trip Advisor guide  to the best cinemas in Manchester.





Adventure travel with teenagers





Adventures for teenagers in Manchester





Escape rooms in Manchester for older teens



For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down.



An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand.



Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. If your travelling teen likes this stuff, it is definitely one of the top things to do in Manchester with teenagers. You can find 2 of the best Manchester Escape rooms below



Breakout Manchester High Street – 36 High St, Manchester M4 1QB, United Kingdom



Exit The Room Manchester – 1 Joiner St, Manchester M4 1PH, United Kingdom







Going to the gym in Manchester for young adults



Fitness is very important to a lot of teenagers these days, and being on a family vacation in England is no reason to miss a session. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling, that does not mean you need to stop working out. In Manchester, you can go to a number of Gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. You can find a list of gyms that offer day passes in Manchester here.



Shopping in Manchester with teens



There is nothing worse than lost luggage on a family trip to Manchester or not having the appropriate clothing for your family vacation to Manchester. Below we have included some travel tips for families on where to shop in Manchester for teens if you find you need to or if you just want to do some shopping in Manchester with teenagers.



Shopping at Arndale is one of the cool things to do with teenagers in Manchester



Manchester is known for its market street, Trafford Centre and Arndale shopping. Manchester is also home to some of the UK’s most stylish boutique shops. The city has a lot to offer shoppers, whether they’re looking for high-end fashion or unique homewares. Here are some of the best places to shop in Manchester.



The Arndale Centre is one of Manchester’s biggest shopping centres, and it has a wide range of retailers including large chain stores as well as independent boutiques. The Arndale Centre also has a food court with many restaurants, and there are plenty of parking spaces available. Market Street is another popular shopping destination in Manchester. It’s lined with high-end fashion stores, jewellery shops and other luxury brands.



Free things to do in Manchester with teens



Manchester offers, some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free Manchester activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free activities in Manchester for families are:





Manchester Town Hall Free Manchester Walking tour .





Visit Heaton Park Haigh Woodland Park









Day trips from Manchester with teens



While staying in the city with teenagers on your family holiday may be the easiest option on your family vacation to Manchester. There are some fun trips for teenagers from Manchester to make out of the city too. The best vacations for teenagers usually include at least one day trip from Manchester.



Below, we have a couple of day trip recommendations for families travelling with teenagers. There are also so many more things to do on your vacation with teenagers when you add a day trip from Manchester.



York day trip from Manchester



The city of York in North Yorkshire, England is home to one of the most historic and impressive cathedrals in England. The remains of the historic castle, and the York castle museum, are popular for teens in York on day trips.



Visit York Castle and Clifford Tower remains for activity holidays with teenagers in the Uk



The National Train Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of trains and locomotives in England and abroad. The walls and gates of the city are also worth a visit, as is the High Street with its many shops and restaurants. Finally, visitors should not miss out on visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre and the York Dungeons.



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Liverpool



Liverpool is only a few miles down the road or train track from Manchester. Liverpool is like a new city these days with many redevelopments in the last years with money from the EU development fund. Today you will find a modern city that really comes alive along its waterfront to the Mersey River with museums, attractions, shopping, and food all located in this area. Top attractions for teenagers in Liverpool include Madame Tussauds, The Tate Museum, The Beatles Experience and the Merseyside Maritime Museum just to name a few.



While at the waterfront, you should not miss catching the famous ferry across the Mersey River.  Opposite the Albert Dock, you will find the Liverpool One Shopping Centre and entertainment area. There are over 170 shops featuring Sketchers, Apple, Victoria’s Secret, Lego, and Disney for  families visiting Liverpool   and 3000 car parking places. No visit is complete for football fans without a visit to Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC.



The Lake District for day trips from Manchester



Lake District England is an area famed for its stunning beauty, with crystal clear lakes, rugged mountains and rolling green hills.



There are plenty of adventures for teens in the Lake District of England



Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences in the Lake District, such as visiting Market towns like Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick on scenic Derwentwater. You can go hiking, biking visiting castles and galleries of local art in the Lake District.







Fun restaurants in Manchester for teens



Vacationing with teens absolutely needs to include a brilliant meal to remember the family holiday. Family travel with teenagers is a wonderful thing, and bonding over a meal at the end of the day or even during it is a great way to connect with your teen travellers. Having a meal with family is one of the top things to do in Manchester with teenagers.







Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester 



Dine at the Hard Rock Café in Manchester and be surrounded by Rock music memorabilia while dining down on ribs, burgers, seafood and more. Catch the latest sports and live music in this centrally located restaurant in Manchester. Hard Rock is always a fun experience for teens in Manchester with something always happening from live music night to live sport on the big screens. Book your Hard Rock experience with priority seating and a meal.



Albert’s Schloss German restaurant beer hall



Albert’s Schloss is a German restaurant in Manchester, England. The restaurant has its own distinct atmosphere inspired by a modern Bavarian feel.



A quick snack at Albert Schloss



The restaurant has an extensive menu, with everything from traditional German fare to pizzas and burgers. Albert’s Schloss Manchester is known for its excellent beer selection, and wide range of food items, including sausages, schnitzels, strudels and more German classics. Albert Schloss is open all day serving breakfast through to dinner and drinks late into the evening.



Street food in Manchester



Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get some delicious food without having to go to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options. Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, cha chaan teng in Singapore, dan dan noodles in China, and shawarma in Middle Eastern countries.



Street food in Manchester often has its origins in the culture of people who have immi